U.S. patent application number 10/202013 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-29 for manual flow/constraint tow device.
Invention is credited to Smith, Edward G..
Application Number | 20040016781 10/202013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30769741 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040016781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Edward G. |
January 29, 2004 |
Manual flow/constraint tow device
Abstract
The flow/constraint device is a device for towing of a golfpull
cart, and for the towing of a pull cart to transport goods and
people, as in a rickshaw. The elastic attachment means is to smooth
out the gaited stride by absorbing some of the forward force and
dampening the end force of the stride. The flow/constraint device
ameliorates the uneven gaited stride when towing a vehicle.
Inventors: |
Smith, Edward G.; (Bluffton,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD G. SMITH
1 TRESCOT LANE
BLUFFTON
SC
29909
US
|
Family ID: |
30769741 |
Appl. No.: |
10/202013 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2055/604 20151001;
B62B 5/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/184 |
International
Class: |
A45F 003/14 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A cart tow device with the means for a person to tow a golfpull
cart comprising: a. a waist attached towing belt; b. a belt
attachment means; c. an elastic connecting means; d. an attachment
means to said belt; and e. an attachment means to said golfpull
cart.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising said waist attached
towing belt with the means of attachment to golfer's waist by
buckle clasp and tongue.
3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a means of attachment
with a plain belt buckle through which passes a portion of a belt
which is looped back to attach to said waist attached towing belt
by the means of hook and loop material.
4. The device of claim 2 further comprising a means of attachment
to said waist attached towing belt by hook and loop material
only.
5. The device of claim 2 further comprising said waist attached
towing belt with attaching means to support one or more elastic
attachments.
6. The device of claim 5 further comprising said waist attached
towing belt with stanchion attaching means projecting rearward from
said belt for said elastic attachments.
7. The device of claim 5 further comprising said waist attached
towing belt with stanchions with vertical attaching means of one or
more elastic attaching locations.
8. The device of claim 5 further comprising said waist attached
towing belt with stanchions spaced apart with two or more
horizontal attaching means for attaching said elastic attachments
requisite for towing said golfpull cart.
9. The device of claim 6 further comprising said elastic
attachments with attachment means for one or more separate shafts
from said towed golfpull cart to attach to said waist attached
towing belt.
10. The device of claim 9 further comprising attachment means for
one or more separate shafts from said towed golfpull cart handle
and main frame to attach to said waist attached towing belt.
11. The elastic connecting means of claim 1 further comprising
external covers for each individual elastic attachment.
12. The elastic connecting means of claim 11 further comprising
upon said individual elastic attachment with said external covers a
constrictive means against the thrust forces of said towed golfpull
cart.
13. A cart tow device with the means to pull said vehicle
comprising: a. a towing connection attachment; b. an elastic
connecting means; c. an attachment means for pulling and; d. an
attachment means for said vehicle.
14. The towing connection attachment of claim 13 comprising a
towing belt with connective attachment means.
15. The towing connection attachment of claim 13 further comprising
a harness means for connective attachment means.
16. The device of claim 14 further comprising said towing belt with
an attaching means by supporting stanchion for said elastic
attachment means from said towing belt to said vehicle.
17. The device of claim 16 further comprising said stanchions with
alternative elastic attaching means.
18. The device of claim 16 further comprising said stanchions for
two or more horizontal elastic attaching means spaced apart for
pulling said vehicle.
19. The elastic connecting means of claim 13 further comprising
external covers for each individual elastic attachment.
20. The elastic connecting means of claim 19 further comprising
upon said individual elastic attachment with said external covers,
a constraining external cover means upon the entire elastic device.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention is considered to be in the golf cart
classification. The object of the invention is to provide a device
attaching the golfer to a manually pulled golf cart to facilitate
the transport of a golfer's clubs and bag during the playing of a
round of golf. As this is a towing device, the usual term in the
golf equipment industry is golfpull cart.
[0002] Another feature developed in this invention is the ability
to divide the towing shafts/handles and provide this
flow/constraint device to each shaft/handle. Such an application
would benefit the towing of many more devices such as a "rickshaw",
a garden cart, and possibly a traditional wheel barrow. As much of
the world does use single and double shaft/handle vehicles for
towing, this invention can benefit many applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An increase in the benefits of health and exercise can be
realized by manually towing a golfpull cart around a golf course.
More golf players would be attracted to these benefits if the risks
and fatigue of pulling the golf cart could be reduced. Energy
directed to swing performance and to the game could be conserved
with a device that would tow the golf cart safely and comfortably
for the player.
[0004] Lacking in the prior art has been a device to attach the
golfpull cart to the player conveniently to facilitate the pulling
of the cart over lengthy terrain, up and down the hills and slopes,
along the fairways for the 18 holes of play without fatigue and
undue discomfort. Over 18 holes which typically cover over four
miles of walking and with several strokes being taken taken during
play of each hole the activity of pulling a golf cart can be quite
tiring on the player's arms, hands, shoulders, and back. After
several hours on the course, this fatigue can affect the golfer's
level of play so that their arms, shoulders and back are not unduly
tired by the extraneous activity of towing a golfpull cart.
[0005] To relieve these detrimental effects, the prior art has
examples of hands-free, cart pulling devices which recognize this
issue of fatigue. An example of a similar device that is attached
directly to the belt, but would be hard to walk an even gait with,
is seen in the patent of Virgil M. Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,328,043
of Jun. 27, 1967, and in an earlier example with D. G. Frantz's
U.S. Pat. No. 3,311,385 of Mar. 28, 1967 which shows a direct
attachment to the belt. A later citation showing just a belt with a
loop attachment that will hold a golf cart with a sideways handle
is seen in Robert Evans U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,294 of Apr. 22, 1997.
In this direct attachment to the belt each step accelerates the
cart, then steadies in mid-stride, and slows as the step changes
which results in an awkward and uncomtable device in itself
fatiguing to use and pull. Another cumbersome and awkward device
designed for flat terrain courses is seen in a 3 wheel cart
directly attached to a belt in the patent of Kenneth Reichard, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,926,448 of Dec. 16, 1975.
[0006] Current players' interests in towing a golf cart around a
course has given rise to other methods of accomplishing this feat
such as seen in the patent of Jerry Kotulla, U.S. Pat. No.
5,244,217 of Sep. 14, 1993 which embodies a sling strap over the
golfer's shoulder and which in turn loosely drags along the golf
cart. There is no effort made in this invention of Kotulla to
control the motions of the golf cart such as offered in this
invention. Another strap type golf cart is seen in a tricycle type
configuration in the patent of Lucien Flagg, U.S. Pat. No.
3,305,244 of Feb. 21, 1967 which is pulled along by hand.
[0007] The walking golfer towing a golfpull cart is faced with
coupling and uncoupling his golf cart more than one hundred times
over the 18 holes of play in addition to dealing with various types
of terrain on many courses. The typical belt fastener is slow and
tedious and has been inadequately dealt with in the prior art until
this invention. Convenience and comfort are paramount issues to the
success of this towing device and both over the activity in towing
a cart over the golf course and with the ease of coupling and
uncoupling the towing belt at each round of play.
[0008] Adaptive and similar devices are seen in the pulling and
transporting objects and people in other prior art, and while many
perform a similar task, none have this flow/constraint device to
smooth out and ameliorate the uneven forces developed with a human
performing the towing and pulling. A useful device entitled "Body
Trailer" is seen in A. L. Capraro's U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,318 of Jun.
1, 1993 but which again connects directly to a wearer's belt. "A
Hands Free Dumping Wagon" of Joe Klumpjan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,355
of Jun. 1, 1993 utilizes the same direct means to attach a type of
gardening cart.
[0009] Useful and similar towing means for carts can be found in
the related art field utilizing a side mounting or hip mounting
attachment for both single and dual shafts/handles. A early example
in towing a golfpull cart is seen in R. H. McBride's U.S. Pat. No.
2,559,981 of Jul. 10, 1951 which has basically a side pocket on a
belt attachment with a spring wire device and holder to tow the
cart. Another early example is seen in C. E. Giovannoni's U.S. Pat.
No. 2,613,953 of Oct. 14, 1952 which shows a device attaching to
each side of a belt for support and at the rear for constraint in
the operation of a "Monowheel Vehicle Harness" intended to carry
supplies and wild game in assumably the back country. A later
version is seen in the "Hip Cart" of J. A. Lemmon, U.S. Pat. No.
4,236,723 of Dec. 2, 1980 which shows the means to transport a
"pack" but with two wheels for stability and support. An even later
patent of Paul M. Straub, U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,780 of Jul. 18, 1989
which shows a device as a "Carriage Assembly for a Jogger" with a
side or hip direct mount to tow the cart/carriage.
[0010] In the prior art another approach is seen that I improve
upon in the United Kingdom patent of John Marshall, U.K. No.
2,227,987, Aug. 15, 1990, wherein the belt is worn as normal with a
connector attached at the rear that clips the golfpull cart handle
to an ordinary unpadded belt.
[0011] There has been no device in the prior art that deals with
the motions and forces of the person walking and towing a golfpull
cart up or down slopes, and across rough terrain such as in this
invention. There is no prior art in this field with any device to
modify and control the pressures of walking and towing weighty
carts with such a means of connection such as this flow/constraint
elastic device which evens out, absorbs and diffuses these forces.
The push and pull of an uneven stride of a person or an animal is
ameliorated and smoothed by this device as it stretches out on the
forward stride and slows to absorb the force/thrust to meet with
the next stride to alleviate the unevenness of the gaited
stride.
SUMMARY OF THIS INVENTION
[0012] This invention is novel in its flow/constraint elastic
activated device and is a continuation of my earliest USPTO
Disclosure filed Aug. 16, 1996, No. 403,774, and the subsequent
filings that detail the many developments and improvements in the
ways to use this invention. Many vexing issues have been resolved
prior to the filing of this application which represents the
highest level of development and most novel presentation of this
invention. From the earliest prototypes attaching to a single
shaft/handle of a golfpull cart, I have developed the proper means
of towing a golfpull cart or other type of vehicle without having
it push you down a hill or pull you off balance or quite literally
become more of a hazard than a benefit when attached to your belt.
In these embodiments one sees the proper means of constraint which
slows the force or thrust of a cart when in your stride, when going
down a hill, or when stopping as the cart can hit you fiercely and
hurtfully as it were, below the belt, mindful that the attaching
location is in the rear.
[0013] New features are incorporated from the experience with the
prototypes and from the new materials and techniques that have
become available over time. The primary development has been in
these features: the control by an elastic flow of acceleration from
a gaited stride, and the constraint by covering means of
deceleration during this same stride. This control of acceleration
when initiating a stride can be achieved by the means of elastic
cords, or springs, or a combination of these means. The constraint
of deceleration when ending the same stride is achieved by two
features: one, when individually covering the elastic cords,
springs, or such combinations; and two, when externally covering
the entire elastic means with a heavy-duty plastic or cloth cover.
This external cover serves to further dampen the constraint/flow
means as it adjusts and adapts for the human or animal stride
evident in the towing activity.
[0014] The means to manage these two forces--acceleration and
deceleration--is an essential and pivotal feature of this
invention. Smoothing out these forces into a comfortable and safe
activity is the novel and key element seen here. As the person or
animal pulls a cart or vehicle in their stride walking and towing
heavy weights, possibly over uneven terrain, the uniqueness of this
invention will show itself in its comfort and safety. A strong and
novel feature is the means of attachment using in a single
shaft/handle the rearward widely spaced stanchions that project the
elastic means sufficiently outward away from the wearer's belt
bracket to minimize adversarial roll-over or splaying forces from
the vehicle being towed. When attaching double shafts/handles the
same effect is provided by their wide and separated spacing on the
towing belt typically at the side of the hip.
[0015] These features of this invention provide walking golfers
with an arms free means of towing a golfpull cart comfortably
around a golf course. In the use of this device the thrust, side
motions, uneven actions and the varying forces of towing a golfpull
cart over rough terrain for the 4 miles or more of a golf course
are dampened and controlled so as to create a comfortable walk
while pulling a weighty cart. Arm, shoulder, hand and hip strain
are avoided or ameliorated with this device which thereby will
reduce fatigue and leave more energy to direct to the critical
values of a properly executed golf swing. The same consideration
can be extended to all other adaptive uses of this device towing
and pulling other types of vehicles whereby the strain and fatigue
would be reduced.
[0016] This invention is a cart tow device with the means for a
person to tow a golfpull cart comprising a waist attached towing
belt, a belt attachment means, an elastic connecting means, an
attachment means to the belt, and an attachment means to the
golfpull cart.
[0017] The cart tow device further comprises a waist attached
towing belt with the means of attachment to golfer's waist by
buckle clasp and tongue. The buckle clasp and tongue is a standard
term for a normal belt buckle assembly, and this means is most
common in regular use for attaching a belt.
[0018] The cart tow device further comprises a means of attachment
with a plain belt buckle through which passes a portion of a belt
which is looped back to attach to the waist attached towing belt by
means of hook and loop material. This means provides a secure,
quick and convenient method of attaching a belt, and equally
provides a quick and convenient method of undoing the belt when the
wearer wants to step out of the belt and cart to play golf.
[0019] The cart tow device further comprises a means of attachment
to the waist attached towing belt by hook and loop material only.
This means is quick but not as secure as the above method of
looping back a portion of a belt. These methods are both convenient
in use and allow the person towing a cart to easily attach and
detach the cart.
[0020] The cart tow device further comprises the waist attached
towing belt with attaching means to support one or more elastic
attachments. These elastic attachments which connect the person
with the cart or vehicle can be the normal golfpull cart with a
single handle and a single rearward belt attachment, or they can be
side attachments which connect the person or animal with a cart or
vehicle such as a rickshaw with two handles or shafts. Elastic
attachments are elastic connecting means which join the person or
animal with the conveyance using elastic cords, springs, and
combinations, even with hydraulic means, to ameliorate the forward
force in a gaited stride, and with coverings and covers to dampen
the deceleration force at the end of that same stride.
[0021] The cart tow device further comprises the waist attached
towing belt with stanchion attaching means projecting rearward from
the belt for the elastic attachments. The stanchions are supporting
attachments usually of metal or of a durable hard material and
these stanchions are capable of projecting rearward at least one or
more inches to locate the elastic connections away from the
wearer's belt. The stanchions are attached to the wearer's belt
most typically by the means of a bracket of similar durable hard
material to provide the greatest strength in attachment and
function. The stanchions can provide vertical attaching means on
the end of the stanchions to allow one or more elastic connection
locations. The different connection locations are to adjust for the
different heights of the person towing the cart and for adjustment
for convenience in towing as different persons will have different
preferrences in these locations as available on the stanchion.
[0022] The cart tow device further comprises the waist attached
towing belt with stanchions with vertical attaching means of one or
more elastic attaching locations. The vertical attaching means is
to provide different locations for the elastic attachments for the
convenience and selection of the wearer.
[0023] The cart tow device further comprises the waist attached
towing belt with stanchions spaced apart with two or more
horizontal attaching means for attaching the elastic attachments
requisite for towing the golfpull cart. The two or more horizontal
attaching means would provide a separated attachment means or
stanchion that will tow a heavy cart more efficiently and more
safely as it will not twist or splay at an angle as easily as it is
towed. The separated spacing is more stable when decending or
crossing a hill while attached to a cart, and such convenience and
safety will be easily recognized by the person towing a golfpull
cart.
[0024] The cart tow device further comprises the elastic
attachments with attachment means for one or more separate shafts
from the towed golfpull cart to the waist attached towing belt. The
cart may have two handles that converge to the rear of the wearer's
belt just as does a single shaft or handle typical for a golfpull
cart. Alternately, the two shafts can split apart to reach each
side of the person who is going to tow the cart, and these two
shafts can attach to the wearer's belt at the side by attachment
means similar to the rearward attachment. The advantage of the two
shafts attaching at the side would be the flow/constraint device
which will smooth out the gaited stride while towing.
[0025] The cart tow device further comprises attachment means for
one or more separate shafts from the towed golfpull cart handle and
main frame to attach to the waist attached towing belt. As stated
the separate shafts offer stability and smoothness in towing a cart
or vehicle like a rickshaw. The attachment at the side would have
like the rearward stanchion a projection and connection locations
convenient to the one towing and an elastic connection means of the
flow/constraint device to the cart being pulled or towed.
[0026] The elastic connecting means further comprises external
covers for each individual elastic attachment. The elastic means
which might consist of elastic cords or springs would have
constrictive covers on each to dampen their actions in extending
and in return, or as an alternative, a hydraulic means of fluid or
air to achieve the same basic function. Covers and coverings would
have to be of a heavy-duty material--plastic or cloth--that can
give long durable service and can give the constrictive force
needed to keep the cart motion smooth when the gait shifts from
deceleration to acceleration in the stride. The covers can be
external to the entire flow/constraint device and as such would
serve to dampen the entire device while keeping any adverse action
removed from the person towing. These external overall covers can
have pleats and bunching to keep control and constraint active on
the flow/constraint device. These covers are useful and necessary
as well as decorative as they keep the elastic means contained and
concealed while in use.
[0027] The elastic connecting means further comprises upon the
individual elastic attachment with the external covers a
constrictive means against the thrust forces of the golfpull cart.
The constrictive means is needed to slow and dampen the return
thrust forces that occur at the end of the person's stride, and to
smooth and slow the forward thrust when the next stride begins to
accelerate. It is purposeful to use both the elastic means in the
flow ahead and to use the constrictive means to slow down the
actions of a towed vehicle. The flow/constraint device functions
best in towing when these elastic and constraint forces are
continuous and interactive to even out a person's or animal's
stride.
[0028] This invention includes a cart tow device with the means to
pull a vehicle with a towing connection attachment, an elastic
connecting means, an attachment means for pulling and an attachment
means for the vehicle. A towing connection attachment would usually
constitute a towing belt or similar device worn by the person or a
similar attachment such as a harness placed upon an animal to
perform the towing. This towing connection attachment would include
a means of connecting the person or animal with the vehicle to be
towed by such means as stanchions attached to the wearer's belt or
animal's harness and these stanchions provide locations for the
connecting elastic means. Some adjustment would be provided in the
locations available in each stanchion to suit the various
users.
[0029] The towing connection attachment of the cart tow device
comprises a towing belt with connective attachment means. A towing
belt could have several convenient ways of attachment such as a
buckle clasp and tongue, a loop of belting through a plain buckle
to be secured by hook and loop, direct by means of hook and loop,
or such other convenient and secure means of attachment.
[0030] The towing connection attachment of the cart tow device
further comprises a harness means for connective attachment means.
A harness is for use with animals when connecting them with a cart
or vehicle to be pulled or towed. A harness can have several
connective means and the sizes and adjustments required for the
animal being placed into the harness.
[0031] The towing connection attachment of the cart tow device
further comprises the towing belt with an attaching means by
supporting stanchion for the elastic attachment means from the
towing belt to the vehicle. The device is the towing connection
attachment above mentioned and this device provides the elastic
attachment means for the flow and constraint of the elastic when
connected to the towing belt and to the vehicle being towed. The
attaching means can be ring connectors or similar means to join the
belt and the stanchion on the belt to the elastic attachment which
can be by elastic cords, springs, or hydraulic means. The stanchion
is the bracket or similar device that provides locations for the
elastic means to be connected to the belt. The stanchion can
provide several locations to serve the needs of different persons
or animals as an adjustment for ease of use and convenience. The
stanchion can project the elastic means away from the belt for the
ease of use and convenience of the wearer. The elastic attachment
means can provide the connections to the belt and stanchions, as
well as to the vehicle being towed. The vehicle can be a cart, a
pullcart, a transport cart, a sled, a wagon, a person conveyance
such as a rickshaw, or any similar vehicle to be pulled or
towed.
[0032] The cart tow device further comprises stanchions with
alternative elastic attaching means. The stanchions provide
different locations for elastic connection attachment means and
provide for different types of elastic connecting means. Stanchions
can project the connections away from the towing belt or harness
for the wearer's ease of use and convenience. Stanchions can
themselves be provided a bracket to be attached to, or other
durable and solid connection to the towing belt or harness.
[0033] The towing belt with an attaching means by supporting
stanchion of the cart tow device further comprises the stanchions
for two or more horizontal elastic attaching means spaced apart for
pulling the vehicle. Horizontal spacing of the elastic attaching
means gives more stability and smoothness to the vehicle being
towed. In any situation wherein the cart may be on a side slope,
hill, or at an angle the two stanchions spaced apart tend to keep
the vehicle properly upright, ameliorate splaying or tipping, and
in general, adds the stability necessary for a cart tow device.
[0034] The elastic connecting means of the cart tow device further
comprises external covers for each elastic attachment. Covers of
heavy-duty material, cloth or plastic, give the dampening or
constraint needed to slow the towed vehicle smoothly as the next
forward stride begins. Without the constraining covers the action
is jerky and uneven, and the vehicle surges with the forces of
acceleration and deceleration continuously and uncomfortably. The
covers being placed on each elastic accelerating item gives a
constraining control when they return with the deceleration at the
end of a gaited stride.
[0035] The elastic connecting means of the cart tow device further
comprises upon the individual elastic attachment with the external
covers, a constraining external cover means upon the entire elastic
device. As each individual elastic attachment has a cover to slow
and dampen the return force at the end of a gaited stride, then an
external cover is put over the entire elastic device to constrain
its activity. This outside external cover serves several functions
in that pinching and thrusting of the individual elastic
attachments is avoided against the one towing the vehicle, and a
constraining means is provided upon each individual elastic
attachment by containing these items within one external cover. Not
only does the external cover over the entire elastic device serve
these purposes but by containing the individual elastic attachment
items, the actions of the individual items is kept aligned and
controlled so that they provide the maximum dampening and the best
management of forces when extending upon acceleration.
[0036] The claimed features of the flow/constraint device have been
presented and explained with some detail as to the best working
mode of each feature. The flow/constraint device as outlined herein
offers a comfortable and steady means of pulling or towing a cart
or vehicle by evening out the surges and forces of the gaited
stride. These features would serve universally the towing of carts
and vehicles, and as applied within these descriptions, safety and
comfort become evident to anyone involved with such activities.
THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The flow/constraint device is improved over prior art in
several important ways as herein outlined. Improvements in the
device worn by the person towing the golfpull cart, a passenger
vehicle, or a utility cart are detailed clearly in the drawings
provided.
[0038] The all-weather flexible and durable cover 10 as viewed in
FIGS. 2, 9, and 14 is designed to provide aesthetics as well as the
dampening and control of the flow/constraint elastic means. An
important feature in this preferred embodiment as viewed in FIG. 14
are the elastic ribbed channels 24 along the top of the cover that
aid the elastic flow/constraint. Another is the crimp point 29
located along the sides of the covers to provide provide pleats and
a configuration that aids the control provided by the elastic means
of the flow/constraint device. The cover in the preferred
embodiment should be of a heavy grade of a vinyl fabric or cloth
material designed with a pocket effect which improves the operation
of the flow/constraint device.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment as viewed in FIG. 14 the section
closest to the wearer's belt has a flap 25 which is designed to
wrap around the belt and belt bracket and is attached with a hook
and loop fastener 26, 27 which closes the cover. In this embodiment
this this cover 10 should fit tight and close over the
flow/constraint device. The shaping of the cover is an important
element and is preferred as wedge-shaped which better aids the
flow/constraint action and tapers to better fit the elastic means.
The area closest to the golfpull cart handle will provide
attachment by tabs containing hook and loop fasteners 26, 27 and
will provide a firm closure over the handle of the golfpull cart.
In the preferred embodiment as described herein the vinyl or cloth
fabric serves to cover the flow/constraint device and keeps all
individual elastic means within the cover.
[0040] Attaching and unattaching the towing belt 12 as viewed in
FIGS. 5, 6 would constitute a preferred embodiment for its
simplicity and ease as the connection is direct to the hook and
loop 16, 17 each time. As the towing belt is attached and
unattached numerous times in the 4 miles of traversing a standard
18 hole golf course, this simplicity and ease is a paramount
issue.
[0041] A preferred embodiment is developed and viewed in FIGS. 7,
8, and 9 wherein two stanchions 20, two elastic attachment means by
springs 22, and two attachments to a golfpull cart handle 11 are
shown. In FIG. 7 the basic elastic attachment means is shown; in
FIG. 8 this elastic means by springs is shown covered with tubes or
covers 23; and in FIG. 9 the entire assembly is shown covered. As
in FIG. 8 the tubes or covers 23 over the elastic means by springs
provide the needed flexibility to accommodate the extension and
contraction of the springs when in motion. In FIG. 7 an improved
bracket attachment for two stanchions 20 is shown with a greater
distance apart, and with the stanchions 20 extending away from the
wearer's belt. These stanchions function as a stabilizer dampening
vertical surges and sways of the cart handle and preventing the
cart handle from contacting the golfer's lower back. These
improvements have given a new performance and ease-of-use to my
prior art and have given higher and better useage for this
invention.
[0042] The flow/constraint device provides walking golfers with an
arms free method of towing the golfpull cart comfortably around the
golf course as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the use of this device
the thrust, side motions, uneven actions, and varying pull of
walking around the 4 miles or more of a golf course are dampened
and controlled so as to create a comfortable walk while towing a
weighty golf cart. The golfer can maintain a smooth arm rhythm and
steady gait unimpaired by the need to use one's hand and arm to
pull a cart. Arm, shoulder, hand and hip strain are thereby avoided
with this device which will reduce fatigue and leave more energy to
direct into the critical values of a properly executed golf
swing.
[0043] In this flow/constraint device the golfpull cart handle
attachs to the waist towing belt in a unique manner that when the
golfer accelerates his stride the elastic means by springs will
stretch to smooth this force, and yet when slowing the stride or
turning, the elastic means by springs control the force without
contacting the golfer's back. These elastic means by springs are
designed to be covered for safety and control with each wrapped and
covered, and both under a cover that is flexible and durable to
give long service, and this added feature gives dampening to the
elastic actions of the device.
[0044] An important item in this invention concerns coupling and
uncoupling the waist belt that tows the cart as this belt often can
utilized 100 times or more in each play of golf. In order to
maintain a durable, satisfactory and continuous use throughout a
season of golf play, this waist belt will depend upon a tough but
easy to use connector at the front of the belt. Another requirement
is that this belt be able to withstand the pressure of towing a
weighty golf cart throughout many seasons of golf without failing
or pulling free under the load. In one embodiment the towing belt
is attached one end over the other using only hook and loop
fasteners. A better and more durable embodiment of this invention
one end of a fabric belt being longer than typical is inserted
through a metal loop built into the opposite belt end and doubled
back onto the belt to be attached to a hook and loop base. This
procedure permits the maximum adjustment for comfort, most secure
attachment for towing pressures, and ease of use. When a golfer
reaches his destination, the towing belt is removed and the cart is
balanced just as the golfer would in a normal stationary position
were the device not attached, and the golfer unclasps the belt to
step free to play golf.
[0045] Another two embodiments show the flow/constraint devices in
the FIGS. 15 and 16 which show a dual shaft/handle operating from
stanchions at the side of the belt or hip sides of the person
towing the cart. The uses of a flow/constraint system in these
situations would greatly benefit the operator or wearer of the belt
in that the forces would be smoother and comfortable in use.
[0046] The transport of larger loads and greater distances can
benefit from my device which would ease the unevenness of forces
involved and leave the operator less fatigued. Dampening the
springing means at the wearer's belt will alleviate and reduce
these tiring and destabilizing forces on the human body. This
flow/constraint device is designed to even out the uneven human
gait and pulling force when transporting or towing objects. By
stabilizing these forces that the human routinely encounters,
safety is achieved on eneven slopes, curbs and gutters, traversing
debris or fallen tree limbs and with the towing force in a
comfortable state of operation, more attention can be directed to
each encounter or situation and in a safe manner.
[0047] This flow/constraint device therefore is adaptable and
effective in the many situations that a user provides in the
movement of goods and people. The safety and the comfort achieved
when using this device will impress anyone, and a true believer
will be made with its use.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1. This is a view of a golfer towing a golfpull cart
with the flow/constraint device attached 11 to the golf cart
handle. The device is covered 10 and attached to a belt 12 on the
golfer.
[0049] FIG. 2. This is a closer view of this device being used in
FIG. 1 with a single attachment to a golf pull cart handle 11 and a
cover over the device 10 that joins to the golfer's belt 12. This
view shows a direct hook and loop connection 16, 17 at the front of
the belt 12 worn by the golfer.
[0050] FIG. 3. This is a side view of a golfer towing a golfpull
cart with this device in use. In this view the cover 10 is shown
covering the device which is connected to a single stanchion 13 on
the golfer's belt 12. This belt is shown attached through a belt
buckle 15 with a loop of the belt 12 having hook and loop 14 to
secure the attachment of the belt for the golfer.
[0051] FIG. 4. This is a closer view of the device seen in FIG. 2
with the typical connection to the golf cart as used in FIG. 1. In
this view a double set of support stanchions 20 is seen located on
the belt 12 with the golf cart handle attachment 11. The front of
belt 14 passes through a belt buckle 15 attaching by means of hoop
and loop as seen in FIG. 3.
[0052] FIG. 5. This is a view of a golfer towing a golfpull cart
using this device as seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 attached to the
golfcart handle 11 and with a cover 10 covering the device, and
with a direct belt connection 16 by means of hook and loop as seen
in FIG. 2.
[0053] FIG. 6. This is a closer view of the device as seen in FIGS.
1 and 5 with the belt 12 having a hook and loop connection 16, 17.
The device uses two support stanchions 20, ring connectors 21, and
the elastic means by springs 22 which connect to the golfpull cart
handle with attachment 11.
[0054] FIG. 7. This is a close view of this device showing an
improved embodiment showing two elastic means by springs 22 and
ring connectors that clamp onto the golfpull cart handle with two
attachments 11. This improved embodiment shows two belt support
stanchions 20 attached to the bracket of the belt 12.
[0055] FIG. 8. This view is of FIG. 7 with two individual tubes or
covers 23 shown with two ring connectors 21 to two support
stanchions 20.
[0056] FIG. 9. This is a view of device as seen in FIG. 8 with a
cover 10 over the elastic means and connectors with a double
attachment 11 to the golf cart handle.
[0057] FIG. 10. This is a closer view of a preferred embodiment as
in FIG. 7 with a heavy duty bracket with two stanchions 20 showing
the mounting of the elastic means by springs 22 and the ring
connectors 21 of the device connecting to the golf cart handle by
means of attachment 11.
[0058] FIG. 11. This is a view of FIG. 10 showing two stanchions 20
with the ring connectors 21 and the tubes or covers 23 covering
each supporting elastic means by springs 22 and the attachment
means 11 to the golf cart handle.
[0059] FIG. 12. This is a closer view of a single stanchion 13
mounted on its bracket with ring connectors 2i and the elastic
means by springs 22 with two attachment means 11 to the golf cart
handle.
[0060] FIG. 13. This view is of FIG. 12 with two tubes or covers 23
covering the elastic means and the ring connectors 21 with two
attachment means 11 to the golf cart handle.
[0061] FIG. 14. This is a top view of an improved cover 10
embodiment showing elastic channels 24 that serve to tighten and to
dampen the elastic means activity. A flap 25 is shown with hook and
loop means 26, 27. A crimp 29 is shown that serves to crimp down
into pleats the edge of the cover to reduce the volume of
material.
[0062] FIG. 15. This is a view showing the dual attachments 10
using two shafts to connect with the carriage, also known as a
rickshaw, to the belt 12.
[0063] FIG. 16. This is a view showing the dual shaft attachments
10 with a cart being connected by means of the flow/constraint
system to the belt 12.
[0064]
1 INDEX TO THE DRAWINGS NO. ITEM 10 Cover over the flow/constraint
device 11 Attachment to a golfpull cart handle 12 Special belt for
towing of a golfpull cart 13 A single support stanchion on belt 14
Attachment of belt ends using an overlap through a belt buckle,
wrapping around buckle to attach by means of hook and loop fastener
15 Belt buckle 16 Hook and loop fastener shown inside of belt 17
Hook and loop shown on outside of belt 20 A double set of support
stanchions on the belt 21 Ring connectors 22 Elastic means by
springs 23 Tubes or covers for the elastic means by springs. 24
Channel for elastic tensioner in the cover 25 A flap that folds
down on the cover and attachs by means of a hook and loop fastener
26 Hook and loop fastening strips located on the underside of flaps
25 to fasten to strips 27 27 Location of hook and loop strips to
fasten flap to opposite side 26 to close flaps 25 29 A crimp point
to create edge pleats in side of cover
* * * * *